To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any actions that will be taken by the Historic Environment Division to save the historic Kircubbin Harbour following further damage to the quay and retaining walls during recent storms and the lack of restoration and preventative measures taken by the owner.

My officials have inspected the historic Kircubbin Harbour, a scheduled historic monument, since Storm Eowyn and have noted further ongoing erosion. My department has no responsibility for maintaining scheduled monuments in private ownership but does advise and support owners in doing so.

Historic Environment Division officials will be writing to the owner, once again, to bring the deteriorating condition of the harbour to his attention. The letter will also make him aware that, on application, the department can offer a small financial contribution for emergency holding works under its Historic Environment Fund Monument Regeneration stream.

My officials will also continue to work with the local community who have a particular interest in this site, in conjunction with the owner and Ards and North Down Borough Council.